Blog Post
3 Tips for Children to Beat the fear of the Dentist
People have irrational fears about many things – fearing the dark, heights or confined spaces, but a common one that is shared through the generations and across the globe is being scared of a visit to the dentist.
Unfortunately, our culture has spread the view that a trip to the dental clinic equals pain. Cartoons, comics, movies and TV shows all support this idea with the white-coated dentist brandishing drills and syringes, so it’s no wonder that children are often fearful about dental treatment.
As parents or caregivers, it’s crucially important that you foster a positive attitude about visits to the dentist to benefit your child. Think of it as a gift that you are giving them – an opportunity to protect their smile and future health.
1. Keep your fears to yourself
Children take their cues from their parents, and even from a very young age they can pick up how their parents are feeling. Chances are high that if you are anxious about a visit to the dentist, your child will be too. Your child can read you like an open book, so be mindful about how your words and reactions will influence your child, especially when you are having dental treatment too.
The good news is that dental care has progressed enormously over the years and advances in technology ensure that diagnostic and treatment procedures are painless, and any issues that do occur are detected at an early stage. Dental health care is very different now in comparison to when you were a child!
2. Take your child to your appointments
Children have wonderful imaginations, and while this is a charming feature of childhood, the downside is that often their imagination runs away from them – the box under the bed becomes a monster, the wind in the trees a howling banshee. If your child comes with you to your routine dental clinic appointments from a young age, they will see that there is nothing to fear. You are normalising the environment and they will become quite relaxed in the dental clinic environment.
3. Keep it simple
When your child is scared of the dentist, your natural urge will be to talk them round to distract and reassure them. However, it’s best to keep it simple. You don’t need to give your child too much information, your dentist is experienced in answering children’s questions in a manner that is suitable for their age. Plus, it helps your child to build trust and rapport with their dentist.
Duxton Dental run a family friendly dental clinic in Christchurch. We are Riccarton dentists who have a wealth of experience helping young people get comfortable visiting their dentist. The benefits of routine dental check ups will stay with your child throughout their life, which is why we are so passionate about supporting you to help your child overcome their fears.
Contact us today to arrange your child’s appointment at our Christchurch dental clinic, and yes, teddy can come too.
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